IN THE COMMUNITY
Going Gaga for Galas
Southwest Florida’s all-important charity benefit season actually continues throughout late winter and into early spring. Galas are a good excuse for residents, snowbirds and even tourists to get dressed up and raise funds for worthy causes—in a fun and festive style. Leading the way is SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc.’s Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, celebrating its 10th year. It has raised $18.7 million since it began. Beneficiaries include Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida SouthWestern State College, and four new organizations: PACE Center for Girls of Lee County, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, SalusCare Inc., and The Heights Foundation.
The 2018 event takes place Friday, March 2, and Saturday, March 3. Friday’s schedule features Chef Vintner Dinners at private venues in Lee and Collier counties. Saturday is The Grand Tasting, Live Auction & Dessert After Glow at Quail West Golf and Country Club in Naples. For more info, visit: swflwinefest.org/schedule-of-events-and-dinners
And the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is just one of several charity events being held throughout March and early April in the region.
JDRF Hope Gala
Benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s South Gulf Coast Chapter Saturday, March 3 The Ritz-Carlton, Naples jdrf.org/southgulfcoast
“For it is in giving that we shall receive.” — St. Francis of Assisi
Kids’ Minds Matter—2nd Annual Secret Garden Gala
Benefits Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida Wednesday, March 7 Shangri-La Springs, Bonita Springs leehealthfoundation.org/kmm
Magic Under the Mangroves
Benefits the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Thursday, March 8 Conservancy Nature Center, Naples conservancy.org/events/magicunder-the-mangroves
Kind Mariners Ball—Treasures of the Sea
Benefits the Freedom Waters Foundation Saturday, March 10 Naples Sailing & Yacht Club kindmarinersball.com
2018 Star Gala
Benefits the Foundation for the Developmentally Disabled Inc. Saturday, March 10 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples fddswfl.org/gala/
Southwest Florida Heart Ball
Benefits the American Heart Association Saturday, March 10 Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs heart.org/heartorg/general/ southwest-florida-heart-ball
The Bucket List Bash
Benefits the American Cancer Society Friday, March 16 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples acsbucketlistbash.com
Emerald Ball
Benefits Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Inc., for Collier County Saturday, March 24 The Ritz-Carlton, Naples cccollierc.ejoinme.org/emeraldball2018
Galas are a good excuse for residents, snowbirds and even tourists to get dressed up and raise funds for worthy causes.
Bubbles, Baubles and Broadway Gala
Benefits Gulfshore Playhouse Monday, March 26 The Ritz-Carlton, Naples gulfshoreplayhouse.org/8th-annualbubbles-baubles-and-broadway
Blues By The Bay
Benefits The Heights Foundation Monday, April 3 Blue Coyote Supper Club, Sanibel heightsfoundation.org/blues
2018 IMAG GALA
Benefits IMAG History & Science Center Saturday, April 7 IMAG, Fort Myers theimag.org/2018-gala
SanCap Cares—Island Celebration
Benefits Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida Sunday, April 8 Sanctuary Golf Club, Sanibel sancapcares.org